The total attendance for the four practice days was 41,377, which is more than 3,000 up on the last St Andrews Open in 2010.

Sports Minister Jamie Hepburn, who visited the course today, said: “The Kids Go Free scheme is a tremendous policy that gives children the opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest sporting events for free.

“That can only help to inspire them to also pick up a club and get involved with this great sport.

“This is the fifth time in ten years that Scotland has hosted The Open, which is a tribute to our tremendous golf courses, and the warm welcome which people can expect when they visit Scotland.